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Neurological injury from virtual reality mishap.
Natasha Warner1, James T Teo2,3
1Neurorehabilitation, Wellington Hospital, London, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) use poses injury risks at home. A case study details severe injuries, including spinal cord and brain trauma, from a low-impact VR fall, highlighting unrecognized dangers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Trauma Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Consumer virtual reality (VR) systems are increasingly accessible.
- Gamified technologies enhance VR engagement.
- Home use presents unique safety challenges and risks of self-sustained injury.
Observation:
- A patient experienced a low-impact fall while using a VR system in an uncontrolled home environment.
- The incident occurred despite the seemingly low-energy nature of the fall.
Findings:
- The VR fall resulted in multiple severe injuries.
- Diagnoses included spinal cord injury, hypoglossal nerve injury, vertebral artery dissection, and traumatic brain injury.
Implications:
- Public awareness of potential VR-related injuries, even from low-impact events, is insufficient.
- This case underscores the need for safety guidelines and user education for consumer VR systems.
- Further research into VR safety protocols in domestic settings is warranted.
